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Comments about: SAD 59: Science teaching debated Director: Evolution, creationism are unproven theories
MADISON -- Neither creationism nor evolution belongs in a high-school science curriculum, a School Administrative...
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Dr. Gary Hurd of Dana Point, CA
May 19, 2008 12:08 AM
"The Quest for Right" is one of the most absurd uses that paper an ink have ever been subjected. The author, David Parsons, has indulged in some self-promotion on these comments last May 6th.

A typical failure of Parson's writing is that when he encounters a scientific topic he either cannot understand, or cannot cram into his young earth creationism, he ignors it. One of Parson's favorite pastimes is to invent never before heard of terminology and to pretend this is a "scientific" advance. He has even provided an example in his comment; "electron interpretation." In the random techicolor inkblot that must swirl through his brain, "electron interpretation" probably has a meaning. In the sciences it has none.report abuse
Bug MeNot of Portland, ME
May 16, 2008 1:44 PM
We need to educate the whole of the nation on the meaning of the word "theory". In science, a theory is something accepted to be true after rigorous study.

Creationism is not a theory, rather its a story written by ancient sheep herders. It is untestable. No matter how much these people want the world to be 6,000 years old, it simply is not true.

I hate the 'why are there still apes' question. No matter how many times it gets answered, creationists simply pretend they didn't hear it. We did not evolve from apes, rather we came from a common ancestor of us and chimps.

If creationists get their way, science books will be one page long with "godditit" in large print.report abuse
kenneth coville of Wilton, ME
May 11, 2008 8:39 AM
It is unfortunate that this conflict keeps arising and receiving so much attention, energy and resources. What is most ironic is that the advocates of "Creationism" who oppose the teaching of Evolution are not only uninformed regarding science but also of Christian beliefs and theology which they purportedly support.
This very issue was addressed almost exactly 1600 years ago by St. Augustine in his treatise on the literal interpretation of Genesis quoted below.
"It not infrequently happens that something about the earth, about the sky, about other elements of this world, about the motion and rotation or even the magnitude and distances of the stars, about definite eclipses of the sun and moon, about the passage of years and seasons, about the nature of animals, of fruits, of stones, and of other such things, may be known with the greatest certainty by reasoning or by experience, even by one who is not a Christian. It is too disgraceful and ruinous, though, and greatly to be avoided, that he [the non-Christian] should hear a Christian speaking so idiotically on these matters, and as if in accord with Christian writings, that he might say that he could scarcely keep from laughing when he saw how totally in error they are. In view of this and in keeping it in mind constantly while dealing with the book of Genesis, I have, insofar as I was able, explained in detail and set forth for consideration the meanings of obscure passages, taking care not to affirm rashly some one meaning to the prejudice of another and perhaps better explanation.
– The Literal Interpretation of Genesis 1:19–20, Chapt. 19 [AD 408]

Augustine goes on in his writings to elaborate that the holy writings were to be understood as allegorical spiritual truth. This is consistent with all informed understandings of the Christian scriptures. For example in the new testament Christ constantly uses metaphor to explain his teachings to his disciples.report abuse
Education of Portland, ME
May 7, 2008 2:14 AM
Linkletter says that both are merely theories that represent "personal beliefs and world views," rather than proven science. Linkletter suggested during last week's SAD 59 board meeting that the board discuss evolution, the "Big Bang Theory" and other studies he believes should be deleted from the curriculum.

"You can't show, observe or prove it," Linkletter said of the belief systems. "It's something you have to believe by faith. It doesn't meet the criteria of science.

Mr. Linkletter's and Mr. Luce’s views sadly display a complete lack of education and understanding on the subject of evolution. It is generally accepted today among our world's most brilliant scientists that evolution is no longer theory, but rather, mere observation. Furthermore, contrary to Linkletter’s primitive statements, evolution has been shown, observed, and yes, proven.

It is a disgrace that the SAD 59 school board will be even considering removing this from the curriculum. Doing so will put SAD 59 students at a tremendous disadvantage, not to mention shrivel any remaining possibility of attracting quality science teachers in the future.

"I don't care if everybody else in the country uses it. Science is about proving things. (Linkletter) has a good point."

Mr. Luce acknowledges the fact that everyone else studies this subject, yet has chosen to adopt his director’s ignorant views over those of the rest of our country.

Does this make any sense? Should this even be a debate?

Get with the times, put your personal views aside, and do what’s best for the students.report abuse

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